Pakistani celebrities remember the legendary Zubaida Apa

Local showbiz personalities share their thoughts and memories on the late chef, TV personality

LAHORE: Renowned cooking expert Zubaida Tariq – famously known as Zubaida Apa – breathed her last on January 4, 2018, in Karachi. Her funeral prayers were offered the following day, near her home, at Sultan Masjid.

The celebrated chef was a household name, popular among countless housewives who learnt to cook by following her show. Along with making her mark in the TV industry, Zubaida Apa also had a wonderful contribution to the field of literature and many have learnt from the way she dressed too.

PHOTO:CATALYST PR

Many showbiz personalities, especially female stars who considered Zubaida Apa an important stronghold for Pakistani women, expressed their condolences on the occasion of her demise. “Not only did we learn how to cook from Zubaida Apa but we also learnt how to dress. I was always impressed by her dressing sense and her evergreen beauty,” stage, TV and film artist Shiba Butt told The Express Tribune.

Zubaida Tariq: A legendary force

“She came from a well-educated family and was a really intelligent lady. I met her in Karachi and was very fascinated! Apa ran a restaurant in Clifton which is always full of various artists, fans and food lovers due to their adoration for her as a chef and showbiz personality. Her death is a big loss for all of us.”

Zubaida Apa first appeared on TV during the 1990s, at the age of 50. Ever since her first show Dalda ka Dastarkhwan, she became a champion for women and her recipes and tips soon came to be known as Zubaida Apa ke totkay.

PHOTO: SCREENGRAB

“Zubaida Apa was a celebrity for the general public, especially the female population in Pakistan. Most have known of her since their childhood days and many have learnt to cook from her. Due to her personality, she was very popular. She started her TV career in her 50s and continued working until her 70s,” expressed singer Humera Arshad.

She continued, “I wish I had kept a journal of her totkay so I could use them to recreate the delicious food. Her death came as a very unpleasant surprise to many, including me.”

7 useful totkay from Zubaida Apa's book of remedies

Renowned actor Meera went on to express her admiration for the cooking expert too. “Everyone loved Zubaida Apa. Although there have been many other TV personalities and cooking shows and we have new talent within the industry, no one can be like her.”

The actor added, “Apa was a beautiful soul and a very good human being. Everyone sort of  considered her their family member and paid a lot of attention to her totkay. It is a real shame that she has left us. But this is life and I understand that everyone has to leave one day. I pray for her and will miss her forever.”

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